All my bags are packed, I am ready to go,
But my budget has got me feeling low..? - Is that you?
There is no season to party, only a reason. And if you have your reason to party or unwind by the expansive blue beaches of Goa, lying all day long in the sand, or sipping beer in a shack, and partying the night away until the morning sun colours a brand new day, let nothing come in the way of your lovely excuse to run away to Goa. Least of all your budget. India's very own Sin City (okay, let's exclude the technicality of it not being a city, please) obviously has something in it for everyone. And with its hippie culture, Goa has more than a fair share of avenues that promise big fun on a shoestring budget. Lying by the beach, swimming in the gentle (or gigantic if you are a daredevil, but, be careful, we say!) waves or staring at the night sky, is undoubtedly the most beautiful experience Goa has to offer without a price tag.
But we are here to help if you want to jingle the pennies in your pocket for some good, Goa-style fun! Read on to know about these best places to visit in Goa with friends:
But we are here to help if you want to jingle the pennies in your pocket for some good, Goa-style fun! Read on to know about these best places to visit in Goa with friends:
Nightclubs
"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, shall we dance?" Said someone wise. Goa has taken the advice very, very seriously. When they say party, they mean business - dance, music, fire-shows, local and international bands, unlimited supplies of food and drinks, and everything else you can imagine and desire. The party scene does not get better than this! While there are plenty chic/uber-cool/sprawling clubs out there, we are going to focus on the ones that are a good bargain for you.
PS: All the single ladies, put on your dancing shoes - your entry to most of the clubs is free!
1. Titos
For commercial Bollywood music and the young local crowd, head here. They provide unlimited drinks on the house - so be ready to walk home post a very boozy, foot-tapping night!
Entry: INR 1500/couple, INR 2000/stag
Includes: Unlimited drinks
Address: Baga Beach, Titos Lane, Saunta Vaddo, Calangute
Timings: 9 PM to 3.30 AM
2. Love Passion Karma
Entry: Weekdays - INR 1700/couple, INR 2000/stag
Weekends: oops! Too steep, but if you must know - INR 3000 onwards
Includes: Limited drinks
Address: Road Opposite Bank of India, Bhatiwado, Nerul
Timings: 9.30 PM to 3.30 AM
3. Club Cabana
Entry: INR 1500 - INR 2000/couple (depends on the day)
Includes: Unlimited drinks
Address: Calangute - Arpora Road, Arpora
Timings: 9.30 PM to 3.30 AM
6. SinQ Night Club
The place is gaining popularity real quick one, for being the first micro-brewery in Goa and secondly, for its poolside deck and nightclub that makes for a perfect spread for an all-night party. Enjoy their in-house brews as you groove to the tunes of some of the best DJs. Dance the night away or sprawl, intermittently, on lounge chairs by the pool.
Entry: INR 1500/couple, INR 2000/stag
Includes: Limited drinks
Address: Opposite Taj Holiday Village, Aguada Rd, Candolim
Timings: 9 PM to 3 AM
Beach Parties
If indoors is not your thing, we don't blame you. With the kind of beach parties hosted here, every indoor party goer is likely to convert. The sound of music goes best with the sound of waves, we promise. There is nothing as liberating as losing yourself to the sound of nature, the best of music, and sea breeze.7. Curlies
Curlies shack at Anjuna beach is a place to laze around during the day, watch the gorgeous sunset in the evening, and then it morphs into a breezy, lively party vista. Grab a bottle of your favourite drink and sway until the wee hours of the morning.
Address: Near Flea Market, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna
Timings: 8.30 AM to 4 AM
8. Hilltop
This Vagator beach venue is quite a sensation among party goers. If you are a hard-core party person, then the international DJs spinning psy-trance will set the groove for a night you will remember. The party, at times, is imposed a 10 PM curfew, and the entry varies from being free to INR 500 and above, depending on the day and event you plan to visit.
Address: Hilltop - Vagator, Anjuna, Bardez
Timings: Sundays 5 PM - 10 PM, Fridays 4 PM to 10 PM
24-hour events on New Years Eve and Christmas.
9. Shiva Valley
Another gem at Anjuna, this shack located next to Curlies, transforms into a raving hub of Goa trance, attracting the best musical talent from the world over. The Tuesday parties are a particular attraction for global tourists and locals alike.
Address: Near Flea Market, St. Michael Vaddo, Anjuna
Timings: 9 AM to 11 PM. Tuesday parties may on well past midnight.
10. Silent Noise Club
Head to Palolem beach to watch your friends and strangers alike dance to tunes you don't hear. Slip on your headphones, and lose yourself to the trippy tunes of the channel you choose. Slip it off, and enjoy the amusing sight of people swaying in silence.
Entry charge: INR 600 inclusive of headphones.
Address: Neptune Point, Palolem, Canacona
Timings: 7 PM to 2 AM. Saturday night party till 4 AM.
Pubs
Guzzle, gorge and dance to foot-tapping commercial numbers. Presenting pocket-friendly, popular pubs you can chill-out and eat at:11. Golden Rooster, Alto Porvorim
Address: Techno Cidade, Chogm Road, Alto Porvorim
Timings: 11.30 AM to 10 PM
12. Top Gear, Panaji
Good food, giant bar, casual set-up and great music! it is not for no reason the pub enjoys a steady stream of loyal customers, from international tourists to locals.
Address: D.B Bandodkar Rd, Opp. Captain of Ports Jetty, Ozari, Panaji
Timings: 11 AM to 3 PM, 7 PM to 11 PM
13. Ace's Pub, Panaji
With its characteristic blue lights inside and cosy seating, the pub holds a revered place in the hearts of its loyalists for its affordability. Well, of course, the affordability comes at the cost of a not-so-chic ambience, but if cheap drinks are all you care for, the place will not disappoint you.
Address: Ground Floor, Crystal Building, Opposite Junta House, Panaji
Timings: 12 PM to 3.30 PM, 6.30 PM to 12 AM
14. SinQ Brew, Candolim
Address: SinQ Beach Club, Opposite Taj Village, Candolim
Timings: 11.30 AM to 10 PM
Night Markets
Shop till you drop or sip on wines and more while listening to live bands - the night markets in Goa are a delight to experience! Bargain well, and make merry. From hippie clothes to funky jewellery, quick bites and ample to drink, there is not a reason you won't enjoy every minute of being here, and then strolling back home with bags full of goodness. The markets remain open till 2 AM.The most popular night markets are:
15. Saturday Night Market, Arpora
A hippie styled market that sells everything from spices to some clothes that you'll find nowhere else. Make a statement by visiting the Saturday night market at Arpora as this could easily be one of the most different places to hangout in Goa.
Address: Aguada - Siolim Rd, Xim Waddo, ArporaTimings: Saturdays 6 PM - 2 AM
16. Mackie's Saturday Night Bazaar, Baga
Address: Near 281, Baga River Bridge, Tamudki Vado, Marinha Dourada Road, Arpora
Timings: Saturdays 4 PM - 3 AM, Sundays from 4 PM to 12 AM
Let's Hit The Casinos!
Gambling ain't no virtue, but a little gambling hurt no one ever! Slip into those stylish clothes you reserved for Neverland, and swagger into a casino, feeling like a million bucks, because if lady luck is shining on you, you really could go home with a million bucks. No?Did we mention all but Chances casino are open 24*7! And most of them offer complimentary drinks, snacks and/or chips included in your entry fee.
17. Chances Casino, Dona Paula
Roulette, arcade, poker, blackjack, you name it, they have got it. Say a prayer or call on your beloved devil to help you sail as you make the big gamble at the sprawling, well-equipped casino with live music, located at the exquisite Chances Resort. As they say - Ready, Bet, Go!
Entry: INR 750
Address: Chances Resort, Machado's Cove, Goa, Dona Paula
Timings: Open till 4 AM
18. Dunes - The Casino, Varca
Want some adventure and thrill? Here's the perfect place to visit in Goa for youngsters who feel lucky. Located at The Zuri White Sands Resort - a plush, world-class property at the shore of the pristine Varca beach, this casino comes with the benefit of a calming stroll through the massive property and beach, if the game gets too taxing.
Entry: INR 700
Address: The Zuri White Sands Resort, Pedda, Varca
19. Crown Casino, Panjim
A part of the boutique hotel The Crown, the casino, and the property, located on a hill, offer a panoramic view of the Mandovi river. Celebrate on the hilltop after winning your gamble at the casino.
Entry: INR 1000
Address: The Crown Goa, 1st Floor, Bairo Alto Dos Pilotos, Jose Falcao Road, Behind Old Secretariat, Panaji
20. Casino Paradise, Porvorim, Panaji
The bargain does not get better. You get a complimentary unlimited buffet, included in your entry fee, at the casino located in Neo Majestic Hotel. Binge eating helps, especially when you lose. We mean, when you win. Who cares? Free food!
Entry: INR 1000
Address: Neo Majestic, Porvorim, Bardez, Near Azad Bhavan, Panaji
21. Deltin Jaqk, Fisheries Jetty, Panaji
Expensive compared to the other options, but worth every penny, if you get to cruise the Arabian Sea on this beautiful ship. It is the only affordable floating casino that gives you the real taste of a beach town like Goa, without burning a hole in your pocket. The wind caressing your hair, the music of the waves, the energy of the casino - it's an unbeatable experience.
Entry: INR 1500 - includes gaming chips worth INR 500.
Address: Fisheries Dept. building, Dayanand Bandodkar Road, Fisheries Jetty, Panaji
Laze All Day - The Shack Experience
There is, perhaps, nothing as soothing and relieving as lying by the beach, in the shade of your shack, watching the dance of waves lashing the shore and then receding into unknown depths. You leave the world behind with its whirlwind of activities, duties and tasks, and lose yourself in a dimension where time is of no essence, and all that denotes time is the gradual sunset, the flight of birds back to their nests, their shadows cast in the backdrop of the sun, and the blue sea getting cloaked in darkness and mystery. Rejuvenate your senses, give your world of thoughts a break, and bask in the beauty of the many sun-kissed beaches, while being provisioned with good food, drinks, and gentle music that grows louder as the last rays of sunlight call it a day, by the many shacks dotting the beaches. Here is a list of beautiful shacks that will take care of your tummy's needs for a paltry sum.
22. Curlies, Anjuna
The most popular shack in Goa is a gem - climb up to its deck, and you will know why the crowds in-the-know flock to this place in the evenings - the sunset! Curlies offers an unhindered, splendid view of the sun setting over the horizon. Its proximity to the Anjuna flea market and the possibility of dancing your soles sore as night crawls and transforms the shack into a party destination are added reasons to park yourselves here.
Address: Near Flea Market, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna
Timings: 8.30 AM to 4 AM
23. Ryan Beach Shack, Candolim
A quaint shack at the picturesque Candolim beach, offering free Wifi, shower and cheap drinks, this a cosy place to visit in Goa for youngsters. Go for a swim at the not-so-crowded beach, stretch out on a beach chair and enjoy the simple, rustic vibe and great music at this shack in Goa.
Address: Vaddi Candolim, Bardez, Candolim beach
Timings: 9 AM to 10 PM
24. Palms And Sands, Candolim
One of the oldest shacks with a bustling business and a string of loyalists acquired over many years, Palms And Sands are known for its delicious food served at affordable prices. While the menu might be reasonably priced, we hear that each bite of their fresh food will leave you wanting for more, so don't blame us if you rake up a big bill for your big appetite!
Timings: 9 AM to 12.30 AM
25. Fish Tail, Vagator
Just being at the rocky, secluded (if you are lucky) beach of Vagator is good enough, having a shack that serves up dirt cheap delectables is not just a bonus, it's a ticket to heaven.
Address: Below Nine Bar, Vagator Beach
Timings: 8.30 AM to 10.30 AM
26. Shiva Valley, Anjuna
Linger around until night falls to witness the best Goa Trance, or simply laze around here all day long, with the best music wafting through the wind, a chilled-out vibe, cold brews and cheap food. This shack will probably keep you coming for more and also one of the best places to chill in Goa.
Address: Near Flea Market, Anjuna Beach
Timings: 9 AM to 11 PM
27. St. Anthony's
This beach shack in Goa is a favourite with many of the locals and even loyal out-of-town visitors. This shack serves yummy steaks, desserts and North Indian dishes. With good music and food, this place has its own charm.
Address: Baga Beach
Timings: 10.30 AM to 4 AM
28. Sublime
The foodie folks flock to this place for its fantastic food, innovative menu, their starters and salads. Known for the best steaks in Goa, this is THE place for the carnivores.
Address: Morjim Beach Road, Morjim
Timings: 12 PM - 3 PM, 6 PM - 11 PM. Monday closed
Over and above all the hacks for choosing budget-friendly activities and places to visit in Goa for youngsters, it would help even more to visit in its off-season to make the bargain rosier. Now, that you know the in and out of how to thrive in Goa on a limited budget and make the most of all the fun avenues it offers, you are all set to book your tickets or galvanise your motors, to speed away for some sinful fun!